GOVERNOR PRIORITIES

Two days after the election, Governor Brown held a press conference to discuss the results. When asked by reporters, he initially said no tax increases without a vote of the people, but would not commit to a veto of any tax increases sent to him by the Legislature. The Governor also said tax reform should be considered.

Governor Brown said the following are his five priorities for next session:

1. Calibrate our regulations to balance competing interests

2. Water

3. High-speed rail

4. Education – evaluation, standards, and testing

5. State budget – new budget coming in January

It was later noted by an observer that with the make-up of the supermajorities in the Legislature that Governor Brown is now the most conservative hurdle in the legislative process.